Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all associated characters belong to JK Rowlings.


The Great Hall's ceiling was churning with the reflection of the storm outside. And to James, the intensity point felt centered right over his stomach. I've never been that close to Lily before! He thought. But… it felt so right…


Sirius, who had probably been starring at him for the last five minutes, interrupted his thoughts. "Snap out of it man…you look like you just met the girl of your dreams". Sirius grinned mischievously at him.

"I…" but James was unable to justify his thoughts for the sorting hat began to sing. The song was always different, but maybe that's because the sorting hat has nothing else to do the rest of the year, mused many quiet minds. None of them would know now that the same thought would go through the mind of Harry Potter, their savior from you-know-who, twenty-odd years later.


The sorting ended and the feasting began. Thoughts of love and romance were momentarily forgotten amidst the flavors of tender roast beef, creamy mashed potatoes, rich gravies, and potpies with savory chicken or pork. Then dessert came, with sweet fruit tarts, perfectly blended ice creams, and heavy chocolate pies. As James was finished up the last of his cherry cobbler, he decided to sneak a glance at Lily.

At the very same moment, Lily was spooning the last drop of her vanilla ice cream into her mouth, and decided to have a peek at James as well.

James and Lily's eyes met at the same time, and they smiled at each other. Suddenly caught up in Lily, James had forgotten that he was taking the last bite of his cherry cobbler, so his spoon went where his mouth was a second ago and coated his cheek in gooey cherries and syrup. Lily immediately covered her mouth with her hand as not to spit her ice cream out on anyone while she laughed. This caused quite a commotion though because after Lily turned away, Tana and Brook looked at him and started laugh. From here on, more people looked and even more laughed.

James face turned as red as he cherries he was eating. He grabbed a few napkins and hurriedly left to the nearest washroom. Sirius, Remus, Peter, Lily, Tana, and Brook turned red just from laughing too hard.

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The rest of the night (after the cherry cobbler and James Potter incident) went quite well for Lily. She led everyone back up to Gryffindor tower and told everyone the new password, "cherries". This brought more laughter. The portrait of the fat lady opened and everyone returned to the common room. It was late, so most went straight to bed. Lily, Tana, and Brook, were the only fifth years. There used to be Emily and Jessica Butler, twin sisters, but they moved to America after third year. They wandered into their room and smiled.

The three queen sized beds were in a three leaf clover shape, with a wardrobe and full-length mirror on either side. Powder pink bedspreads and matching velvet privacy curtains with gold trim were just some of the perks of being a prefect.

"Wow," said Brook, "I'm impressed. No more ugly and depressing black. Bigger beds, better closets, and no more hand mirrors! Thanks Lil!" Both Brook and Tana turned over to hug their wonderful friend.

"Comer on, lets unpack and go to bed," said Tana. "I'm tired, and I don't want to start school with bags under my eyes!" The other girls laughed at this and did what she asked.

Lily settled into her soft bed, with its luxurious down pillows, pre warmed sheets, and silky comforter. She drifted to sleep with thoughts of gooey cherry cobbler in her mind and a smile on her face.


A/N: I really have appreciated all the wonderful reviews! Please keep them coming! Anyway, the next chapter should be up soon. Stay tuned ;)